By Sharla Sikes

Is the VoIP industry facing more hurdles Down Under than it is elsewhere in the world?

A recent study by the Australian Communications and Media Authority shows that despite “high levels” of awareness and interest, few new customers are subscribing to VoIP services.

Around 15 percent of study respondents used VoIP for home phone services, and 13 percent of small and medium businesses.

Not surprisingly, those who were using VoIP services were typically younger. The report estimates there are 269 VoIP providers in Australia as of September, with the vast majority of those entering the market within the past year. The report admits that due to unreleased subscriber lists, it is difficult to accurately tally the number of VoIP users.

“Consistent with other research into the take-up and use of new communications services, VoIP usage is higher in the younger age groups and households with high income levels,” ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said. “VoIP users are also more likely to be on the cusp of emerging communications trends, such as substitution of mobiles for fixed services as the main form of communication.”

ACMA’s interest in the VoIP industry lies in its need to greater understand “community attitudes and the importance of electronic media and communications services,” and to analyze the impact of emerging technology and services such as VoIP. Officials expect that the VoIP market could change the traditional phone market, and aim to have regulations in place when the changes become apparent.

“ACMA has done this work because it is increasingly important that it has solid evidence on which to base its regulatory decisions and to inform policy debate about Internet and communications use and participation in the digital economy,” Chapman said.

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